Living in the heart of downtown Chicago comes with all the perks of city life – public transportation, entertainment, and for those living along Lake Shore Drive, front-row access to Lake Michigan! But it’s not without its challenges. Older buildings often mean smaller, outdated spaces with inefficient layouts. For one single professional, a condominium makeover turned her place into a modern, chic home that suits her urban lifestyle.

Enclosing the original open sleeping area provides privacy and creates a clear boundary between activities in the home. From there, arched doorways add sophistication while naturally leading to the main living space. Cooking is now a social activity when family and friends come to visit, and the walk-in pantry minimizes any kitchen clutter. The quartz countertop island with built-in appliances and two-tone lift-up cabinets provide visual interest and make effective use of limited space. Even the bathroom upgrades come from a place of efficient beauty with a wet room tub/shower combination. Hardwood flooring flows seamlessly from the custom tiling in the entryway to the windows, tying the entire space together.

City life often requires making the most of compact spaces and working around historical infrastructure. With thoughtful and intentional design choices, this once-confined condo became a chic and elegant home – spacious, stylish, and perfectly suited to city life.